Bible oath could be scrapped from courts

Swearing on the bible may be banned from court rooms under new proposals.

Under the proposals all holy books of all religions would have been removed and people would instead take an affirmation promising “sincerely” to tell the truth. Photo: ALAMY

By Claire Carter

9:22AM BST 06 Oct 2013

Magistrates will debate scrapping the religious oath for witnesses and defendants, but critics have raised fears the move could further erode the Christian heritage of Britain

Instead all those giving evidence in court would make a secular pledge which it is thought would make it fairer and more relevant for people to help them understand the importance of what they are saying.

The proposals are to be debated this month by the Magistrates’ Association, and if agreed will be put forward to the Ministry of Justice.

Ian Abrahams, a magistrate from Bristol, said he had often seen people shrug their shoulders when presented with the religious oath, not caring that they are being asked to swear on the bible.

Under his proposals all holy books of all religions would be removed and people would instead read an affirmation promising “very sincerely” to tell the truth.

He told the Mail on Sunday: “I’m suggesting we take holy books out of the process. Instead, people will have to show they understand they could be sent to prison if they don’t tell the truth.”

Religious leaders have criticised the plans as an example of further destroying the history of Christianity in Britain, pointing out that people already have a chance to choose to take a non religious oath, the affirmation.

The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester, said: “It is right for people to have a choice of oath, a religious or non-religious one. But we are being urged, in the name of tolerance and secularisation, to restrict that choice.”

John Glen, Conservative MP, said the proposal was an example of “political correctness gone mad.”